[Retrospective analysis of 50 cases of senile syphilis].

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the epidemiological features of senile syphilis.

METHOD: The clinical data of 50 elderly (>60 years) patients with syphilis who were treated in the Clinic of Sexually Transmitted Diseases of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 31 men and 19 women (male to female ratio:1.6:1). Non-marital sexual intercourse was the main route of transmission. The disease was mainly found before surgeries. Among these 50 syphilis cases, 3 were primary syphilis, 13 were secondary syphilis, 10 were early latent syphilis, 12 were late latent syphilis, and 12 were latent syphilis of unknown duration. Co-morbidities with other sexually transmitted diseases were found in 4 patients. The rate of sero-resistance was 40%.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of syphilis in the senile population is higher than we expected. Routine serological screening for syphilis is required in clinical settings. The underlying diseases, human hosts-related spirochetes, and laboratory testing techniques are important reasons for the false positive findings in senile patients.